Frank McGuinnes was born on July 29, 1953, in Buncrana, Donegal, Ireland. He
attended the National University of Ireland, University College, in Dublin,
receiving BA and M.Phil in medieval studies. He began writing poetry in 1974, and
from 1977 until 1979 taught linguistics and drama at the University of Ulster,
Corelaine, Northern Ireland. He lectured in Old and Middle English at the
University College, Dublin, 1979-1980, then moved to St. Patrick's College in
Maynooth, where he lectures in English to this day.

McGuinness has been awarded the London Evening Standard's Most Promising
Playwright Award in 1985 for Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the
Somme; Harvey's Award; the Ewart-Bigg's Peace Prize, the Irish-American
Literary Prize in 1992; a Fringe First Award; and an Antoinette Perry Award
nomination for Best Play for 1993 for Someone Who'll Watch Over Me